[Necrotising soft-tissue infections].

Necrotising soft-tissue infections (NSTI) is a new term for infections by bacteria, which cause ischaemia and necrosis of the affected tissue. Scientific advances during the past decade have expanded our knowledge of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis and treatment of NSTI. Early, correct diagnosis and elimination of delay to surgical debridement is crucial for survival. The recommended antimicrobial treatment has recently been updated. This review summarises the latest advances concerning NSTI, and it is important, that all Danish clinicians are up to date on these.

The effect of fasting on surgical performance.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether fasting has any impact on surgical performance. This simulator-based study investigates whether fasting affects surgical performance. METHODS: Twelve healthy medical students [seven women, mean age 26.5 years (range 23-34)] with no prior experience with surgical simulators underwent a short course introduction to the LapSim(®) simulator. After having reached a predefined level, the participants performed five simulated salpingectomies on the LapSim(®) simulator 5-30 days after the initial introduction. The procedures took place at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. after fasting from 9 p.m. the previous day. Time used to complete the procedure, instrument movements and "blood loss" were registered. RESULTS: The participants performed significantly better at 2 p.m. compared with 9 a.m. with regard to time, "blood loss" and instrument movements except from instrument movements in the longitudinal axis with the left hand. CONCLUSION: The simulator-based study suggests that 17 h of fasting does not deteriorate surgical performance. Further studies on the effect of fasting on surgical performance are needed.